If you’re a flight attendant with access to discounted staff tickets, you can easily plan your vacation around accommodation—and that’s exactly what I did on this trip to Mallorca.

This time, the hotel came first, and everything else followed.

Planning a Mallorca Vacation Around the Perfect Hotel

When I first saw the stunning design of Hotel Concepció by Nobis in Palma de Mallorca, I knew I had to experience it one day. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it’s located in the city rather than directly by the beach—so it’s not your typical seaside resort. Still, I felt it was absolutely worth the splurge.

Some days I’m a curious tourist, ticking off Mallorca’s highlights. Other days I prefer meeting locals, exploring neighborhoods, immersing myself in the culture, and collecting stories. And then there are days when I happily indulge in a bit of luxury travel—staying in beautifully designed hotels, getting spoiled, and surrounding myself with beautiful things.

Feeling rich. Even if just for a day or two.

Hotel Concepció by Nobis Palma de Mallorca: Is It Worth It?

Staying at Boutique hotel Concepció by Nobis felt like intentional luxury—breathtaking design, calm atmosphere, and the kind of aesthetic that instantly elevates your mood. Feeling rich is a wonderful feeling, and honestly, we all deserve it.

The good news? You don’t actually have to be rich to feel that way.

I often combine a low-key stay with one or two nights of luxury. This approach makes high-end hotels more affordable while still allowing you to enjoy the experience fully.

How to Combine Budget Travel and Luxury in Mallorca

Before our luxury stay, we spent the first part of the trip at a cheap all-inclusive hotel—not really worth mentioning—simply to keep costs down. Even though the resort was right by the beach, lounging on an ordinary sandy beach surrounded by hundreds of people isn’t really my thing.

So we rented a car.

A Fiat 500 felt perfectly on brand for Mallorca, and we set off to explore the island. No strict plans—just driving around, wandering, and stopping wherever we felt like it.

Well… almost no plan.

Renting a Car and Exploring Mallorca Without a Plan

We did have one destination in mind: Cala S’Almonia, often described as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Mallorca. And yes—it truly lives up to the hype.

Cala S’Almonia: One of the Most Picturesque Beaches in Mallorca

Cala S’Almonia is a unique little bay with unbelievably clear, crystal-blue water. There’s no sand here; instead, you relax on rocks and the ruins of old fishermen’s stone houses. That raw setting is exactly what makes this beach so cozy, authentic, and incredibly Instagrammable.

It also offers fantastic cliff-jumping spots for the adventurous.

Cala S’Almonia is a free beach, but it’s quite small, so it fills up quickly. Arrive early in the morning or just before sunset for the best experience. Parking can be tricky and usually involves a fair amount of walking—but it’s absolutely worth it.

Caló des Moro: The Famous Turquoise Beach Near Cala S’Almonia

Another bonus? Cala S’Almonia is just a five-minute walk from another Mallorca gem: Caló des Moro.

Here you’ll find dazzling turquoise water, soft white sand, and even a small cave where you can hide from the strong sun. The downside is that it gets crowded very fast and space is limited—but it’s still well worth a visit if you come early.

Final Thoughts: Luxury Hotels and Hidden Beaches in Mallorca

Mallorca has a unique way of combining understated luxury with raw, natural beauty. This trip was the perfect reminder that you don’t have to choose between budget travel and indulgence—you can have both.

One day exploring wild beaches and cliff jumps, another day wrapped in beautiful design and quiet luxury. For me, that balance is what makes travel truly special.

As soon as I found out there are cheap direct Ryanair flights from my home city, Bratislava, to Malta, I had absolutely no excuse not to go. Malta is easy to reach, affordable, and incredibly beautiful—perfect if you want to extend your summer or enjoy a sunny spring getaway. One tip, though: avoid visiting in the middle of summer. It gets very hot and extremely crowded.

1. Popeye Village & Anchor Bay

For our first night, we booked a hotel near Popeye Village—mainly because this place had been on my bucket list for a long time. Initially, I wanted to rent a car and explore the island freely, but we quickly realized that public bus transportation in Malta works surprisingly well. All major places are well connected, it’s affordable, and honestly, much easier if you’re nervous about driving on the “wrong” side of the road — in Malta, people drive on the left side of the road, just like in the United Kingdom.

Our first goal was, of course, Popeye Village. This charming, colorful fishing village sits in the stunning Anchor Bay and was originally built as the set for the 1980 Popeye musical movie. Today, it functions as an open-air museum—but the real magic is the view. Dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and playful wooden houses come together to create a true fairytale scene.

Since our hotel was nearby, we decided to hike there early in the morning across the raw, untouched hills. Big mistake: we completely underestimated the strength of the May sun. By the time we reached Popeye Village, we were already sunburnt. Still, after two hours of walking under the sun, we were rewarded with a breathtaking viewpoint that made every drop of sweat worth it.

The best surprise? Inside Popeye Village, there’s a small hidden beach with a stone platform and sunbeds. Crystal-clear water, a bit of shade, and a cold beer (yes—there’s a small restaurant right on the beach!) were exactly what we needed. We quickly changed our plans and stayed by the water until the evening, heading back to the hotel by public bus—tired, happy, and very relaxed.

2. Blue Lagoon & Comino Island

The next day, we visited another absolute must-see: the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island. To get there, you need to book a boat trip. The ticket usually includes a round trip and a stop at some natural sea caves on the way back. The boats are relatively small (around ten people), which makes the experience feel more personal and enjoyable. Luckily, the boat to Comino Island leaves right from in front of our hotel, as well.

The Blue Lagoon is simply magnificent. The unreal shades of blue almost don’t look real. There are plenty of food stalls around, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty, but keep in mind—the beach itself is tiny and fills up quickly. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas set up on the rocks, which is very convenient.

That said, don’t spend the whole day lying down. Walk around! The island of Comino is stunningly beautiful, quiet, and wild, and exploring it on foot is just as rewarding as swimming in the lagoon.

3. Valletta – Malta’s Capital

On our final days, we changed locations and moved to the third must-visit spot in Malta: the capital city, Valletta. Once again, we relied on public buses—super easy and stress-free.

Valletta is a historic city by the sea, full of breathtaking views, narrow stone streets, charming corners, cozy restaurants, and tiny coffee and ice-cream shops. We were lucky enough to find a cute apartment with self check-in right in the heart of the old town. And the best part? A Romeo-and-Juliet-style balcony overlooking the street below—so authentic and atmospheric. Save this address – Jean de Valette Boutique Living.

So, what should you do in Valletta? Simply wander around and get lost in the maze of streets. Grab an ice cream, a Frappuccino, an Aperol Spritz—whatever you’re in the mood for. Soak up the atmosphere. At night, the city comes alive with music, buzzing streets, and a magical vibe.

If you’re into healthy food, I highly recommend stopping by Soul Food Valletta bistro, which we discovered by accident while strolling around. And honestly, that’s the beauty of Valletta—you’ll stumble upon amazing places when you least expect it.